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Kelli Elliot of Picket Post Antiques
At the corner of Main St. and Lobb Ave. in the Porter’s Building complex, there is a treasure trove of nostalgia and history, Picket Post Antiques. The store is owned by Kelli Elliot and her husband Clint.
Kelli was first exposed to antiques and collectables by her mother-in-law. At first she was not too into hunting for antiques but as the history bug caught her, she was hooked.
“I realized that I loved all the unique things in her home and how comfortable her home felt. Now my kids’s friends say the same thing, they love to come and look at all we have collected over the years,” she said.
They opened the store about a year ago, after waiting for the right opportunity in Superior. She had opened a store in the valley, and called it Picket Post antiques, most thought that she called it Picket Post because of picket fences, but she had really named her business after her love of Picket Post mountain. She and her husband waited, stayed patient and at just the right moment the perfect spot for their antique store opened up in the Porter’s Building.
“Antiques should be sold in an old building” she gleefully explained. She had been dreaming of one day opening her store in Superior. She got her wish, the Porters Building was actually built in 1917. One of the best perks for her, of owing this business, is talking with the locals. While she admits, not every day has a lot of sales, she does enjoy the visits of the locals who come in to tell her stories about Superior.
Inside of Picket Post Antiques, you will find an assortment of vintage and antique items. From kitchen items like Pyrex bowls, furniture, clothing, signs and even unique items like holiday decor along with old gates and windows that could be used for those do it yourself vintage projects. There are about twenty three dealers who sell out of her store, and she is very particular to ensure that items are not refinished or are new items made to look old. She will also buy from those who have items that they think are antiques.
What makes Picket Post Antiques stand out from other antique stores, is the love that Kelli and Clint have for history. The two volunteer for many of the history based events in Globe and Miami.
“I am fascinated by the history of these communities, Superior, Globe and Miami. I love volunteering in these communities because everyone is so nice and proud of their local history” she explained. Kelli hopes to glean more local history stories of Superior to help preserve the unique history of Superior. “I can’t get enough of it,” she explained.
Picket Post Antiques is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during the Summer. In September, they will resume fall/winter hours and open Tuesday through Sunday.
Mila Besich is a resident of Superior with two children. She volunteers for many local organizations. She is an experienced fundraiser and event planner for Copper Corridor Economic Development Coalition. She covers some of the area town councils and schools.
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